Shloka 4.50.12

ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः — Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave

Devanagari script

नानासत्त्वसमाकीर्णं दैत्येन्द्रनिलयोपमम्।।।।दुर्दर्शमतिघोरं च दुर्विगाहं च सर्वशः।

Transliteration

nānāsattvasamākīrṇaṃ daityendranilayopamam |

durdarśam atighoraṃ ca durvigāhaṃ ca sarvaśaḥ ||

Translation

It swarmed with many kinds of creatures, like the abode of a lord of the Daityas—terrifying to behold, exceedingly dreadful, and impassable on every side.

Context

The cave was crowded with creatures of different kinds. It looked like the abode of the king of demons difficult (to enter), dreadful and impenetrable.

Characters & Entities

• Cave (bila)
• Daitya-indra (lord of demons, as a comparison)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma includes truthful appraisal of reality (satya in observation): naming danger as danger enables responsible action and protects the community.

What is the narrative situation?

The text describes the cave’s ominous nature—full of creatures and seemingly demonic—setting the stakes for the monkeys’ next decision.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Alertness and realism—seeing the world clearly rather than being lulled by appearances (like fragrance).